Aspinall: “Rio Ngumoha Finishes Like Prime Torres” in Dramatic Newcastle Win | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Past Newcastle in Chaos at St James’ Park: Match Reaction from Lewis Aspinall

In the first edition of Late Night Live, hosted by Lewis Aspinall on Anfield Index, Liverpool’s dramatic 3–2 comeback win against Newcastle United was dissected in the kind of fiery, passionate detail that matches the mood of Reds fans worldwide. A game full of flaws, flashes of brilliance, and the unexpected, left Aspinall almost speechless.

“I haven’t got the words,” he admitted at the top of the show, adding, “I genuinely, genuinely have not got the words to describe how like how mental trips to St. James’s Park are.”

Despite going two goals down and playing poorly, Liverpool snatched all three points in a game they “did not deserve” to win, according to Aspinall.

St James’ Remains a Battlefield

Trips to Tyneside are often wild, and this was no exception. Referencing Liverpool’s history at Newcastle’s ground, Aspinall recalled past struggles: “We struggled in ’97, we struggled in 2013/14, and we struggled today.” Despite that, he noted a familiar pattern: Liverpool somehow finding a way.

One of the standout moments came via 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who entered the game and immediately left a mark. Aspinall was in awe:

“There are few words I can do to sum up this lad…he finishes that ball like he’s prime Torres.”

This comparison underlined the scale of the youngster’s composure and impact in one of the Premier League’s most hostile venues.

Defensive Woes and Tactical Confusion

Aspinall didn’t hold back on Liverpool’s frailties. “This was not composed. This was not faultless. This was not a perfect response from Liverpool.” He was blunt about individuals, criticising Ibrahima Konaté for being “weak,” “slow to react,” and having his “head up his ass.” Likewise, Milos Kirk was labelled “physically not up to it” and “so weak,” while Dominik Szoboszlai, despite playing out of position at right-back, was credited for “slowing the game down” and delivering a “very good” performance.

Aspinall believed the structural issues were too glaring to ignore: “We’ve conceded four goals in two games, six in three if you count the Crystal Palace one. Something has got to change here.”

He drew comparisons to the 2013/14 season, calling it “score three, concede two” football, entertaining but unsustainable.

Slot’s Challenges and the Ekit Factor

Manager Arne Slot was not immune from criticism either. Aspinall pointed out puzzling tactical choices, like the consistently high defensive line despite vulnerability, and an over-reliance on Ekitiké.

“He’s our only striker at the moment… we need another forward in this window undeniably or it will not work,” he warned. Yet Ekitiké wasn’t spared either, with Aspinall noting his first half was “poor” and his passing “leaves a lot to be desired.”

Photo @LFC on X

Still, his ability to drop deep and link play drew admiration:“He started that movement, he started the play… that’s what we wanted from Darwin Nunez but he couldn’t do it.”

A Victory that Papers Over Cracks?

Despite the result, Aspinall’s verdict was blunt: “Our performance, I would be giving this a three out of ten.”

Yes, Liverpool found a way, again. But this was a patched-up side scraping through with individual brilliance and late drama. With Arsenal looming, Aspinall summed up the prevailing mood: “A moment does not make your season.”

This edition of Late Night Live laid bare the emotional toll of following this Liverpool side in transition. There is grit and promise, but also fragility. Aspinall’s passionate deconstruction offers fans both joy and concern.